Banking services hit

PUNE: Functioning of banks, public sector insurance companies and several industrial units in and around the city continued to be affected on Thursday, the second day of the nationwide strike called by trade unions in protest against rising prices, corruption, disinvestment and other policies of the Union government. Functioning of various government offices and post offices was partially affected as class III and IV employees joined the strike.

The employees' and officers' unions of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited and two unions of the state electricity distribution and transmission companies were also on strike, but power supply was not affected. However, employees of Pune Municipal Corporation, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd did not join the strike and the functioning of these establishments was not affected. Though autorickshaw unions had said they would join the strike from 1 pm to 5 pm, autorickshaws were plying as usual.

The strike was called jointly by the Bhartiya Majdoor Sangh, Indian National Trade Union Congress, All India Trade Union Congress, Hind Mazdoor Sabha, Centre of Indian Trade Unions, All India United Trade Union Centre and others.

Trade unions have been opposing the government's policies to open retail, banking and aviation sectors to foreign investors. The unions claimed that such measures will not benefit common people. Labour unions affiliated to various political parties have come together demanding that the government should roll back its economic reforms, which they say harm workers' interests.

Bank employees gathered at the deputy labour commissioner's office on Thursday and raised slogans against the Union government's policies and reforms. The unions have listed 10 demands, including raising the minimum wage to Rs 10,000 per month, controlling prices and providing social security to workers.

Dinesh Kulkarni, president, National organization of bank workers, claimed that as most of the government transactions take place through public sector banks, they were affected for the last two days. Rupees 7,000 crore worth of transactions take place in Pune every day, he claimed.

Laxmikant Pacharane, representing the state revenue employees' association, claimed that all class IV and class III employees in government offices participated in the strike.

Supply of vegetables, milk and other essential commodities to the city was not affected as private transport operators did not take part in the strike.